California Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
A statute of limitations is the legal deadline to file a claim. In California, if you were hurt by someone else's negligence, you usually have a limited time to act — and once that time passes, your claim can be lost for good.
The general deadline for most injury claims
For most personal injury claims in California — car accidents, slip and falls, and similar cases — the deadline to file a lawsuit is generally two years from the date you were injured. If you wait past that deadline, the court can dismiss your case no matter how strong it is.
Much shorter deadlines when the government is involved
If your injury involved a government agency — a city bus, a county vehicle, or a dangerous public road — a special, much shorter deadline usually applies. In many situations you must first file a formal claim with the agency within about six months before you can sue. Missing that step can end your case before it starts, so these situations call for fast action.
When the clock can start later
Sometimes the deadline does not begin on the day of the accident. Under the discovery rule, the clock may start when you knew, or reasonably should have known, that you were harmed — which matters for injuries that show up later. Special rules can also apply when the injured person was a minor or was not able to act for themselves. These exceptions are narrow and depend on the facts.
Different claims can have different deadlines
Not every claim runs on the same clock. A claim for damage to your property, a medical malpractice claim, and a wrongful death claim can each follow a different timeline. Because a single incident can involve more than one kind of claim, the safest approach is to confirm the deadlines that apply to your specific situation early.
Why you should not wait
The deadline is only part of the reason to act early. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and witnesses move away. Getting advice soon protects both your deadline and the proof your case depends on. A free, confidential review can tell you exactly how the deadline applies to you — and there is no cost to find out where you stand.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in California?
For most injury claims, the deadline is generally two years from the date you were hurt. Some claims — especially those involving a government agency — have much shorter deadlines, so it is best to confirm the exact date that applies to you.
What if a city or government vehicle caused my injury?
Then a special, much shorter deadline usually applies — often requiring you to file a formal claim with the agency within about six months before you can sue. These deadlines are strict, so act quickly and get advice right away.
Can the deadline ever be extended?
Sometimes. Limited exceptions — such as the discovery rule or rules for minors — can change when the clock starts or pauses. They are narrow, so do not count on them without confirming your situation with an attorney.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
If you file after the deadline, the court can dismiss your case no matter how strong it is, and you may lose the right to recover anything. That is why confirming your deadline early is so important.
Related California injury law
Official resources
External links are provided for general reference and are not affiliated with the firm.
This is general information about California injury law, not legal advice. Every situation is different, and deadlines can turn on specific facts.
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